[Deadline to enter September 14, 2025] The Gallery at Graphite Arts Center is seeking artwork for the upcoming exhibition ‘Teen Open Call.’
About the exhibit:
Today’s youth are creative and talented. ‘Teen Open Call’ is a non-theme specific art exhibit designed to give area teens a voice through creative expression. ‘Teen Open Call’ celebrates the artistic abilities of teens (ages 13-19) in our community by showcasing youth art in a professional gallery setting at Graphite Arts Center for a 7 week exhibition. Graphite is seeking original, high quality, finished works by teen artists that display artistic talent, and skill with the use of chosen material.
Entry and acceptance to Teen Open Call provides opportunities not only for public display of artwork, but also public recognition beyond the school community. For most teens this will be the first opportunity to show in a gallery space outside of school. Mention of artwork exhibited in a public gallery may strengthen college applications and increase opportunities for scholarships.
This is a juried, group show with rules for submission, standards for acceptance and a small entry fee. Two-dimensional art must be framed for exhibition. All interested teens are encouraged to apply, understanding that not all entries will necessarily be accepted. Entries will be juried based on quality and adherence to instructions of the call. Opening Reception October 11, 7-8.30PM at Graphite Arts Center.
Teen Open Call Important Dates
Exhibit Dates: October 10-November 29, 2025
Deadline to enter (online entry): Sunday, September 14
Notification of acceptance (email): Tuesday, September 16
Drop-off day for accepted works: Wednesday, October 8, 3-7PM (in person, at Graphite)
Exhibit opens to the public: Friday, October 10, 12-5PM
Opening Reception: Friday, October 11, 7-8.30PM
Exhibition closes: Saturday, November 29, 12-5PM
Notification of works sold (email): Monday, December 1
Pick-up day for unsold work: Tuesday, December 2, 3-7PM (in person, at Graphite)
Checks for any works sold mailed: by Friday, December 12, 2025
TEEN OPEN CALL ENTRY GUIDELINES
Artist
Artist must be aged 13-19 on September 14, 2025
All teens are welcome to apply
Artwork
- Original 2D and 3D work in any medium may be submitted (ceramic, glass, digital art, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture)
- Artwork should be new, and original in concept, design and execution
- Works should be well executed, finished, and have a professional presentation
- Works will not be accepted if they are excessively violent or sexual in nature, or otherwise have explicit imagery which would be inappropriate for family viewing.
- Works may be from a school project provided the art shows the artist’s own voice
- 2D work – minimum outside framed dimension of 16 inches in either direction
- 2D work – maximum outside framed dimension of 48 inches in either direction (Larger works may be considered and will incur an additional $10 entry fee, please email the gallery director in advance to discuss.)
- 3D work – must be intended for pedestal display and not exceed 50 pounds (Works not designed for pedestal display may be considered, please email the gallery director in advance to discuss)
Images
All works must be well-photographed (clear, quality images cropped just to the art) for entry
- Images of 2D works, if framed, should not have glare
- 3D artwork should be photographed with a clean background
- Images should be sent oriented properly for viewing
- JPEG files only
Image File Labeling
Image files must be labeled: TEEN ARTIST LAST NAME_TITLE i.e. Picasso_Young Girl.jpg
Entry Fee
$10 fee for up to 3 different works of art
Entry fee is required and non-refundable
Fee must be paid at the time of application
Sales and Commission
Artwork exhibited in The Gallery at Graphite is usually for sale. For this teen specific show, artists have the option of pricing their work for sale, or listing their work NFS (not for sale)
All sales subject to 30% commission fee (artist will be paid 70% of retail price)
Artist sets their own price
Artist checks for any works sold will be mailed by December 12, 2025
Delivery and Return of Work
All accepted artwork must be delivered, ready to install, on Wednesday, October 8, 3-7PM
All unsold works must be retrieved after the exhibition closes on Tuesday, December 2, 3-7PM
Work may be dropped off and picked up by someone other than the artist if the artist is not available
Framing & Presentation
Proper framing is a must – PLEASE READ
Please consider the appearance of your art (i.e. framing, matting, mounting, cleaning, etc.) prior to drop off at Graphite. Graphite aims to present high-quality exhibitions with professional-level presentation. Please visit our gallery in advance if you are unsure what our space looks like and how our shows present. Not every work requires framing, but most do, especially for best presentation. Please email gallery@graphiteartscenter.org if you have questions about framing. This is a gallery exhibit not a school exhibit.
- Plain black frames are recommended/preferred.
- Blonde/natural wood “floating canvas” type frames are also recommended/preferred.
- Works on canvas or other materials may not require framing if the edges are clean, painted and finished (corners should be tight and flat).
- The width of the frame should be appropriate for the size of the work. No super skinny frames on large works.
- Please no fancy, decorative or colorful frames. No metal frames. No white frames. No glass clip frames. No photos printed on metal. Brown wood frames are discouraged.
- Artwork on paper (including photos) must framed with glass
- Plain, white or off-white mats are recommended/preferred for matted works
- Frames should be clean with no nicks or scratches. Glass should be clean.
- All works must be ready to hang with proper wiring for the weight of the work with flat D-ring hooks (or similar). No screw eye hooks that stick out, these will scratch our walls. Wires should be sufficiently tight that they will not be seen when hanging.
- Please, only wires for hanging. No saw tooth hangers. No hooks as hangers. No cardboard with a cut hole as a hanger. (Exceptions for unique, extra-large or extra heavy pieces, please note this).
Inexpensive, ready-made frames can be purchased at Michaels, or from on-line retailers. Decent frames with glass can also be purchased second hand. Used frames might require cleaning, re-wiring and purchase of a new mat. Look online for videos on proper framing and wiring. Framing can be time consuming and will incur costs. Please plan ahead so that your work is framed on time.
To Enter
If you consent to these terms and would like to enter your artwork for jury in the exhibit Teen Open Call, please complete the entry form following this prospectus.
The artist, by submitting an entry form and images, consents for Graphite to use their name and images of art for promotional purposes, in print or online.
Helpful Notes for Entering
- Have titles, dimensions, prices and JPG photos (properly labeled: ARTIST LAST NAME _ TITLE) ready when you are ready to fill out the entry form, as well as credit card number available for paying $10 fee online. (review entry form below )
- Image files should be 1MB maximum. Large files may cause your entry to show an error screen after you click “Submit.” If this happens, please know your entry has been received by Graphite.
- If you would like to submit additional images of your artwork for any reason (i.e. to show a detail or the framing, etc.), you may do so directly to the Gallery Director after you have submitted your entry. gallery@graphiteaertscenter.org
Graphite is here to help
Graphite hopes any teen who wants to enter Teen Open Call has the opportunity to do so.
Please email Tara Shadduck, Gallery Director (gallery@graphiteaertscenter.org) to discuss any of the following:
- If you, or a friend/family, are not able to drop off art on the designated date (October 8, 3-7PM)
- If you need help or advice with framing (earlier the better!)
- If the entry fee is a burden
4. Any questions about the the exhibit or the submission process
About The Gallery at Graphite
The Gallery at Graphite is a program of the non-profit Art Start NW and is located within Graphite Arts Center which opened in 2022 in downtown Edmonds, WA. Since opening, The Gallery at Graphite has hosted 21 art exhibitions in its 760 sq ft modern gallery space. The focus of The Gallery is to curate exhibits which showcase a variety of talent, genres and artistic expressions. Our aim is to provide high quality art experiences to our community. Graphite is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays 12-5PM. Graphite Arts Center is also open the third Thursday of the month for Art Walk Edmonds, 5-8PM. The mission of Graphite Arts Center is to be a creative art space where people feel welcomed and inspired. Our vision is to make art accessible. General questions about Graphite Arts Center or Art Start NW may be sent to info@graphiteartscenter.org
Please note that Graphite staff work an irregular schedule, and that the Graphite building is not open to the public most days.